Idaho is a state in the Pacific Northwest that attracts many outdoors oriented active adults over 55. This state of over 1.5 million people (2008) offers a variety of places to live, from livable cities like Boise to affluent resort towns like Sun Valley. The Boise and Sawtooth Mountains and rivers including the Snake River offer tremendous scenery and exceptional recreation opportunities. On the downside it is somewhat remote with long distances to big cities in the west. Skiing, hiking, and river sports are outstanding in Idaho. This site will acquaint you with some basic facts about what it's like to retire in Idaho.
The Idaho climate is characterized as steppe, a higher altitude climate. Humidity is low and sunshine is ample. The temperature is severe in winter. Summers can be hot except in the mountains which tend to be cooler than at lower altitudes. Average rainfall is about one-third of U.S. average.
In 2007 the median Idaho household income was just over $46,136, below average for all states. Tourism and agriculture are important in Idaho, along with high tech industries. Idaho produces about one-third of the nation's potatoes. Real estate prices and the general cost of living vary dramatically from place to place. In general prices are about average compared to the total U.S. The 1st quarter 2008 Median home price in Boise at $157,000 was below the national average of $169,000. Zillow.com reports the Idaho median at $161,000.
The Idaho top marginal income tax rate is 7.8%, which kicks in at just over $24,700. Sales tax is 6%. Total tax burden in Idaho is well above average, 13th highest in the nation at10.1% of income.The state's property tax collections are the 37th highest in the nation. Idaho Property Tax Reduction (formerly Circuit Breaker) of up to $1,320 is available to persons age 65 and older, widowed or disabled persons of any age, and POWs who meet income and residence requirements. Social security benefits are not taxed, there are certain railroad and partial exemption for civil service and military retirement pay.
Idaho offer a combination of big mountains and flatter areas. Several cities and towns in Idaho are popular as retirement communities, particularly resort towns like Sun Valley or nearby Ketchum. Boise is the capital as well as the economic and cultural center of the state. Nampa, Garden City, Twin Falls, Sandpoint, Caldwell, Coeur d'Alene, Lewiston (Lewis and Clark State College), Pocatello (Idaho State University), Meridian, and Idaho Falls are all great towns too. Active adult communities are being built in and around towns like Boise. Find suggestions for best retirement towns in the right hand column.
